Why Vidya Balan stopped wearing Sabyasachi after the Cannes 2013 controversy

Let’s hit rewind and go back to 2013. Vidya Balan, fresh off some massive box-office triumphs, was chosen to be on the prestigious Cannes Film Festival jury. It was a massive deal. Representing India on arguably the biggest global stage in cinema comes with heavy expectations, and everyone was waiting to see what she would wear. Her choice? The undisputed king of Indian couture, Sabyasachi Mukherjee. But what followed wasn't a fairy tale. It actually ended up permanently fracturing one of Bollywood’s favorite actor-designer equations.

Vidya stepped out onto the French Riviera covered head-to-toe in traditional ensembles. We are talking heavy khadi sarees, long full-sleeved blouses, prominent nose rings, and a signature drape over her head. She looked every bit the Mughal or Golconda princess. The fashion police, however, were absolutely ruthless. Instead of praising her for bringing Indian handlooms to a western red carpet, critics tore the looks apart. The outfits were harshly labeled as "drab," "boring," and "matronly." Many felt the heavy fabrics aged her and looked painfully out of place amidst the breezy, glamorous gowns usually seen at Cannes. It was a PR nightmare.

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Here’s the interesting twist, though. Fashion ages in funny ways. If you look at those exact same pictures today, your reaction might be completely different. In today's fashion landscape, Vidya’s 2013 Cannes wardrobe is often celebrated as early "Maharani-core." It was an unapologetic celebration of deep-rooted Indian textiles. While other stars played it safe with sparkly western gowns, she went purist. What got brutally mocked a decade ago is now widely appreciated as dignified, fierce, and way ahead of its time.

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Sadly, the intense media scrutiny took a very real toll behind the scenes. When the criticism was at its absolute peak, Sabyasachi made a public comment that seemed to shift the blame. Defending his creations, he basically stated that Vidya doesn't like to experiment much, adding that she is happy the way she is and there's no harm in that.

Ouch. After that remark? Total radio silence. Vidya quietly vanished from Sabyasachi's fashion week front rows. She stopped wearing his regal outfits altogether, pivoting her wardrobe to rich Kanjeevaram sarees championed by other designers and local weavers.

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For years, nobody really knew what was said behind closed doors. The silent feud was just an industry rumor until Vidya finally cleared the air. During the promotions for her 2017 film Begum Jaan, she dropped the curtain on the whole saga. Speaking to the entertainment portal SpotboyE, the actress confirmed the professional split. "I think Sabyasachi is one of the most talented designers in the country," she admitted honestly. "I have worn him a lot but post Cannes (pauses)... I don't know if I can call it a fallout, but we have not been in touch. Not that anything has happened, but... it's unfortunate."

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That intense Cannes spotlight could have easily shattered anyone's confidence, but it actually pushed Vidya in the opposite direction. In that same SpotboyE interview, she got incredibly real about how the backlash ultimately changed her for the better. Reflecting on the drama, she noted, "A lot was said about my fashion sense back then. However, with time, the acceptance of my own body and therefore the confidence that comes with it has only been growing." She explained that it was a slow process that really took root around her films Pa and Ishqiya.

Her final takeaway from the whole ordeal? "I have begun to care less and less about what anyone has to say." And honestly, that kind of confidence never goes out of style.

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